A Look Back and Ahead

This semester I have learn a lot about technology and about myself. Now that I have gained a little knowledge of all the amazing technological tools available for teachers my plan is to continue to learn all that I can about these tools. My hope is to become comfortable enough to use technology daily in my class room. At the beginning of the semester I was very hesitant about taking a course on technology, but now I know that technology is something to explore and never be afraid of.



I really see the enhancement technology brings to a classroom when it is used correctly. It can incorporate all learning modalities, which is something that is very important for me to include. Kids love technology and so I understand that when technology is used in the classroom environment it makes kids ready and excited to learn. I love learning and it is my hope to bring the joy I get out of learning and influence my kids to find that same joy so they can experience the fulfillment learning can bring. School doesn't have be dull. It can be just as exciting as going to Chucky Cheese and technology can be just one tool to bring that excitement into a classroom.

Reflection #10

Looking back that the entire year I'm happy to see my growth in becoming a teacher. I feel more confident and I think my new skills in technology will help become a better equipped teacher. I hope I will continue to explore technology and how it can make classroom learning a more exciting and engaging for elementary age students. I'm still not very talented when working with computer type stuff, but I will continue to educate myself and hopefully I will someday become an expert.

Reflection #9

Sometimes I wonder if what I'm saying makes sense to people at all. I can be in front of a class and their faces make me think I'm just blabbing away and not getting anywhere with my words. I'm starting to feel more comfortable in front of people, I just wish their faces would tell me how I'm doing more accurately.

Reflection #8

I'm all done with student observations for this semester and it saddens me that I don't get to spend any more time in the classroom. I will miss those kids! I wish I could have seen more technology integrated into the classroom, but maybe there is hope for next semester.

Assignment #5

For my final project I decided to create a website about bugs for "my class" to use to find more information about bugs. I also added a podcast to the website for my second technology tool. Ideally, this webpage would be attached to a classroom webpage that the students can easily access from home.

I decided to create a webpage using google as my host because they have page templates already for me to use. I choose one and then tweaked he colors a little bit to get the look I wanted for the page. One feature I became really close with is the add a link button. I used this feature to add picture, websites, and other pages that I created my self. Something that hit me while creating my webpage is how consuming it is to add pages and pictures to it. I chose to make a webpage thinking that it would take no time at all to make a nice final project. Boy was I wrong. I can spend a lot of time on my webpage but then it looks as if I hardly spent any time on it at. Its very frustrating but at the same time I now realize why people who can create nice webpages make a lot of money. Its hard and long tedious work to get a page the way you want it. I was not even using HTML, but a pre-made webpage site. I can't even imagine the work that would go into completely writing he script for a webpage.

My next technology feature is I made a short welcoming podcast for my bug website. I have a program on my computer that has a program that I can record my voice on called Garageband. After recording my podcast I was able to send it to Itunes the I converted the recording to an Mp3 and saved it into my itunes music folder. Next, I logged into my Box.net account and uploaded my Mp3 on to the site. The site then gave me a URL to add to my page. I added it as a page link because I was not able to add it directly to my page. It took me about an hour to figure out how to get my short little podcast message to my page but it was well worth it because I now know how to make podcasts.

I have to admit I still don't feel very confident when it come to technology. I feel like I'm still stuck at the basics of technology. There are so many cool things I could add to my page, but I have no knowledge of what those would be. Maybe someday I will become more savy with technology, but today I'm still very new and I still have a lot to learn.

Here is my final project!
It's a Bug's World

The Classroom in 5 Years?

Since there hasn't been that many changes made that I've noticed in the last 15 years, I would think that the classroom in five years will be almost similar to what it is today. There are usually little changes made. In my generation we went from chalk boards to dry erase boards. So I can see something like the dry erase boards being replaced by smart boards. I also think that maybe PC computers will be replaced by Apple Mac books. I only say that because I know currently school districts are loaning all students Mac books to use. It's all about the settle changes.

Web Safety

I don't really think about the dangers in having kids use the internet. I know that there are predators out there searching for children to prey on, but for some reason I just assume that people are know will never face this type of danger. I think the best way to protect my students is to make them aware of the dangers in using the internet. They should know that they should be careful of who they give their information to, and never give it without their parents permission. Just having the students aware I think is the number one key in keeping children safe.

Another way to keep children safe while using internet is to show them how to use the internet properly. If they have the skills to maneuver around the web I think that they will be less likely to stumble on something that was not meant for their eyes.

One more thing that I need to do to keep children safe is to also have awareness about the dangers lurking out there in the internet.

Classroom Reflection

kidspiration

Today in class we took a look at inspiration and kidspiration. I found the program very interesting and fun to play around on. I'm not sure how I can integrate the program into my classroom but I think that it would be a fun program to have kids practice using the computer.

I like the program!

Reflection #7

Today in class I took a small group of students who are advanced in math skills to play a math bingo game outside while the rest of the class worked on math skills. I thought it was going to be fun until my kids I was working with started getting bored with the bingo game we were playing. Its not their fault, they couldn't help themselves because it was "too easy" and the game was not exciting enough, so the kids did not take it seriously and started misbehaving. With all my heart I wished that I had a Smart Board so I could challenge the kids with more engaging games. I now have a new appreciation for technology, I want it by my side at all times.

OOps! I forgot to make a List of Microsoft Offce Features

I actually don not know that many features for Microsoft Office programs. I just use basic features that any one would know...even digital immigrants.

Word
- header and footer with automatic number
- inserting pictures
- spell check ad count
- undo and redo actions

Powerpoint
- add graphics

Excel
-sum up numbers
-inserting graphs
-merging cells

I don't know much...but thats why I'm in this class.

K-12 Conference: Oodles of Googles

I chose to listen to Oodles of Googles by Sharon Betts for my k-12 conference. I actually found the lecture very interesting because Betts's main purpose is to show how students can use Google to collaborate while doing a group project. Her key word she uses through the entire lesson is "collaboration." Specifically, she focuses on features that Google has that will be beneficial for group projects. She instructs that all the applications in Google the students need subscribe to them in order to use them, but they are all free. Some features that Betts highlights are notebook, presentation tool, and google groups. Notebook is perfect for storing information gathered in one place that everyone can access. Presentations tool is kind of like power point in that it allows groups to put information together formally in slides to present to class. Google groups is perfect for summations of projects. It is a way for groups and teachers to communicate openly throughout researching projects.

What I took out of the conference is that by having projects on Google it makes group projects equal and have more collaboration with the entire group. Instead of having one person do all the work of collecting the data and putting it all together in some fancy presentation, everyone has the ability to work on it equally because they can access google and the project as long as they have a computer. There is no excuse to not participate anymore. This is bad new for slackers.

Reflection #6

Everyday I feel more and more like a teacher, but sometimes I doubt my ability in being able to educate children because I get extremely nervous when I have to go in front of my peers and messed up. A teacher shouldn't be nervous like that..right? We aren't allowed to teach kids at this stage of the education program, but we do teach each other. I often feel as though I never do a stellar job when we have to do a "lesson" to my peers, but then I step into my observation class and I realize that teaching in front of my peers is nothing like teaching a class of eight year olds. I can connect with kids in away that I can't with my fellow future educators. Thats okay, I wasn't called to educate 21 year olds. I have to keep going and know that even if I don't compare with the people in my classes I will make an amazing teacher someday because I have a passion for children to learn. My strengths and weakness are more apparent to me now then ever before and I think that this process we go through in the program is meant to do that to us. I hate it and love it at the same time but I will keep going knowing that God is behind me guiding and sometimes pushing me in the right direction.

Assignment #4

Here is my complete Lesson Plan. By adding technology to my lesson I am able to enhance my students abilities to multiply, hopefully. I am also able to add more varitety into the lesson by giving students opportunities to use tools like the internet and Smart Board. By adding the need for computers it is my hope that all students will have access to a computer, but if thats not possible I can modify my first technology activity to have the class look up objects on the Smart Board. The Game that I will have the class play in the end will make multiplication fun and in my opinion that is the goal when incorporating technology.
By adding technology to interactive internet games in lessons, I think it takes the "chore" out of learning. Education can easily become monotonous for children which will make them disinterested in learning all together. As educators we should mix things up for the kids to make learning excited for what is to come next.
By adding the need for education there is a risk that the Smart Board and Internet will not work and then my lesson wouldn't run like I wanted to. As teachers we should be prepared for circumstances like this by having backup plans when we depend on technology.
The NETS that I will meet include....

1. Basic operations and concepts
   • Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.
   • Students are proficient in the use of technology.
     
2. Social, ethical, and human issues
   • Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.
3. Technology productivity tools
   • Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity

Students meet the 1st and 2nd NETS standard by using the computer to quickly research objects effectively. They meet the second NETS standard by playing the Multiplication game at the end of the lesson to make the lesson fun and to test their understanding for factors of two.
In preparing for his lesson I realized how much work goes into preparing a lesson. A LOT!! I think by incorporating technology it takes some weight off of the teacher and gives students responsibility in their education. If they want to learn then they much participate in technology when he opportunity is given.

Smart Board and Teaching

Link to SMART Board activity

The SMART Board activity that I explored specifically covers over the NETS by...

• Basic operations and concepts
• Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.

• Technology productivity tools
• Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.

• Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools
• Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions

I chose to demonstrate for the class a 2nd-3rd grade level activity about vowels. The activity starts off having the children say the sounds for vowels by clicking on a die. Then, the students hear the sound of a vowel and write it out. The last portion has the students recognize the way vowels look. I will have the entire class participate in the very beginning by allowing them all to say the vowels sounds together. Then I will pick individuals to come up and participate with the board. Learning will be assessed by their willingness to participate and how accurate they are in engaging with all the activities. Personally, I will prepare for this activity by running through it several times and doing the activities myself. This way I can get a good feel for the program. I did not feel it was necessary to make any changes to the activities, so I left it the way it came.

Reflection #5

My days at Chain Lake are getting better and better each week. Slowly my Cooperating teacher, Ms. Holdorf, is giving me more responsibilities in the classroom with the kids. I like how she is easing me into everything and I think the kids are more comfortable with me because I am slowing becoming apart of their classroom community. Now the children understand my role and will ask me questions about things just as much as they ask Ms. Holdorf. I really feel like I'm am apart of the class now and I really enjoy being at my school for the few short hours I'm there. The time really seems to fly by.

Assignment # 2 Age/Subject Resources

1) Student Resources: Writing
Writing is often said to be a painful process and often it is for kids. Writing skills should not be ignored because children will be writing their entire lives. This is why kids need to have a firm foundation in the fundamental skills for writing at an early age. It's my hope to make writing enjoyable for children and I think this can be done easily by playing games such as Proofreading Makes Perfect which has kids practice proofreading for mistakes such as punctuation, grammar, spelling, and usage. Another fun game that kids can play to practice their writing skills is Wacky Stories which has children practice their parts of speech in a fun and creative way. Games like these can be used in a classroom during computer lab. Or when a student has finished all their assignments and needs something to do while he/she waits for the rest of the class. When looking for online resources in writing there seemed for be an abundant amount of sites that encouraged kids to practice writing skills. It is very easy for kids to access these types of games on the internet.

2)Student Resources: Art
Art is an important subject in school. It teaches about colors, textures, shapes, distances, and countless other topics. Teachers should not over look the significance art has in a classroom. When looking for online resources for art I was very impressed at all the sites that had resources for teachers to use in their classroom. While searching for the resources I came across some games that really impressed me. One such game is called Art Detective. This game impressed me the most because it was interactive and very educational about art. As teachers we should teach students how not only to draw, but then we should also teach about art history as well. This game does that very thing. It show pictures of famous painting and talks about painters while playing a fun game. Another activity that I found is called Art.com which simply allows students to paint while on the computer. Both of these games would be perfect for the class to participate in on a SMART board, especially the Art Detective game.

3)Student Resources: Reading
Reading is one of the first subjects students learn when entering into the academic world. Students also struggle with reading very easily, especially in their fluency in reading. The best way to improve fluency is to practice. Online activities are perfect for that and they can be done independently. Unfortunately, most games online are aimed more towards writing, but in games such as Monkey Business and Alien Scavenger Hunt make kids create words and sentences then has them read the words and sentences out loud. These resources would be great for kids to use during computer labs or even on the SMART board. They are very fun and engaging games.

4) Students Resources: Math
Math just might be one of the most dreaded subjects in school. By having kids play fun games the involves math the "fear factor" is taken away and kids can genuinely enjoy math. Many children love sports and so by playing a game like Math Baseball kids are "tricked" into thinking that math is fun, which it is. This game covers all math subjects that third graders should know in a fun and interactive way. This game could easily be played on a SMART board for review of math subjects. The Factor Game is another math activity i about factors that is done done in partners. This is a great way for peers to help each other with hard subjects such as factors in groups of two instead of always working alone.

5) Teacher Resources
I've learned that teachers are only limited by their imagination. If that is true then having recourses to help figure out lesson ideas and plans is a great way to expand a teachers imagination. Art Lesson is by Crayola, and they give many ideas for art lessons that are easy enough that those teacher who are not very artistic can do and their kids will love the project. Another resource is The Teachers Corner, which is a complete resources that helps with things like classroom management, bulletin board ideas, lesson plans, and thematic Units. It is very useful for those teacher who are stuck due to a lack of imagination.

Web 2.0 In the Classroom

Web 2.0 tools can be used in the classroom to improve presentation of information for teachers. If a teacher has a classroom blog web 2.0 can help improve the blog to make it more interesting for kids, parents, and other teachers. Tools like You Tube can be used for things like anticipatory sets to get the kids excited for a new unit. Web 2.0 opens the lines of communication through tools like Google talk and Skype. Web 2.0 tools are fun resources to help teachers make learning fun for everyone!

Reflection #4

Today in my class my teacher had me help her with an art project. I had to walk around the class and make sure students were following her step-by-step directions for this craft she was doing. As I walked around I would help those who did really understand what to do and keep those on task how became bored of the project. I loved it. I really felt like a teacher for once.

The SMART Board

After working with the SMART Board I've come to realize how fun it can make learning. I think using the SMART Board would be fun for lessons on subjects such as geography, math, and science. For many students these are very tough subjects and so by using the SMART board it will engage the students in a fun way that makes them want to learn !

Reflection #3

Today I finally got to lead a small group! For a while I have been feeling disconnected with the students in my class, but today all I did was spend time with the kids. It was amazing! Not all the kids wanted to talk and thats ok, but a lot of them I couldn't get them quiet. From now on I hope I get to spend more time with the kids and less time at the copy machine.

Assignment #1 Technology Literacy

1) Currently I do not have very much knowledge when it comes to technology. I know enough to get by, which I now know is not enough. The technology that I use most often is my laptop. I use it daily for assignments and goofing around on the web, but for nothing big or important. I think I need a lot of work this semester in my technology skills. I would like to see myself more advanced in this area. Looking at the PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION PERFORMANCE PROFILE I can see areas in which I would like to improve on...

• First, I need to be able to identify specific technology applications and resources that maximize students learning, address learner needs, and affirm diversity.
• Second, I need to be able to plan and teach student-centered learning activities and lessons in which students apply technology tools and resources
• Lastly, I need to be able to Identify and engage in technology-based opportunities for professional education and lifelong learning, including the use of distance education.

2) The role that technology has in education is to assist the instructor in teaching the students and make educations fun for them. It should not be the only teacher, it is just a tool for the teacher to use. I believe that technology does in fact aid learning. It engages all learning styles and it makes learning fun for the children to do. If the children are interested they will learn it, and technology is a way to make them interested.

3)Here are some ways that I can help my third grade students meet the NETS standards.

• The first standard that I can meet is research and informations fluency. I can do this by having the students do a project which involves them to research a famous person during a famous even in American History. For instances Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. Then have the students create a digital report about the person and what it was like during that time in history and why the person is significant for the period of American History.
• The second standard that I can meet is creativity and innovation. This can be done in several ways using technology. One activity that I can have the children do is to create digital works of art to be presented to parents digitally. These works of art will have a theme such as nature or something like love. Then they will have the freedom to represent that theme in anyway but the only rule is that it will be created digitally.
• The third standard that I could work on to have my students master is critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making. One way a child could demonstrate this is to investigate a global issue and then generate possible solutions using digital tools and resources.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to ideas for activities that can be done to meet NETS standard for children.

"Grand Slam Technology"

I found this article interesting because it talked about children with special needs and how the SMART board can be an effective tool that enhances learning for children with special needs. I think that the article made a good point in saying that the SMART board is a good way in incorporating all learning styles, or at least trying to incorporate all the styles. That is an important part in being a teacher. As educators we should give all students a chance in learning to the best of their ability, which the SMART board is a good way to do that.

Reflection # 2

Today my cooperating teacher was teaching geography to her class. It was interesting to observe her using a very old projector. She had to use an over head, write on the over head, and take time to control her class at the same time. If my teacher had something like a smart board she could use games like on USA GEOGRAPHY website. These are fun interactive games that engage the children. The teacher doesn't have to multi task while teaching geography because all the kids will be participating in the activities. After class I asked my cooperating teacher if Chain Lake has a Smart board or any other interactive board and she told me she thinks that the library might have one. Of course she has never used it, but I told her about it and maybe planted a seed of curiosity.

I Create Web Sites!!

Link to my Web Site!

I didn't realize how fun creating a web site can be. Even working on html was fun and exciting. I liked writing html because it was like writing this foreign language and then finding out that I was telling the computer to do something. I look forward to keep plugging away on my web site to create something thats mine and uniquely me.

Chain Lake Elementary

Here is my school!

http://www.monroe.wednet.edu/PAGES/cle.html


Unfortunately this is not a very good website and does no justice for Chain Lake. It consists of a picture of Mrs. Martin who is the principal, some information about classes, and information on how to contact the school. In my opinion this website needs a lot of help!!!!!

Technology Standards I Need To Work On

One standard that I can improve on is the use of technology tools for managing and communicating information such as finances, schedules, and addresses. Technology is an easy way for me to keep all my information together in one place. This will help me stay organized not only as a teacher but also in my life outside of work. Another standard I should work on is my ability to evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on their appropriateness to specific tasks. The reason I say this is because I have no idea what kind technological innovations are out there and where I can access the information about them. I need to become more aware and educated in technology to be a teacher that incorporates technology successfully with my teaching.

Adopt and Adapt: Shaping Tech for the Classroom

In this article, I learned that there is a process in adopting technology. Marc Prensky believes that there is a four step process which includes:

1)Dabbling
2)Doing old things in old ways
3)Doing old things in new ways
4)Doing new things
in new ways

I find it interesting how people are using technology just to keep files and not as a means of an educational tool. I think with technology today people within the school system should have full access and use the technology to their advantage. This means learning how to incorporate technology into lesson plans and becoming informed about computers and other technological tools. I like that Prensky believes that all learners should have computers of their own that meet their personal learning style because computers are "extensions of the students' personal self and brain" (Presnsky). I also think that it is important for schools not to resist technological change. We need to move this the times and become knowledgeable. Finally, it is important to understand that it is a lot of work to incorporate technology in our lesson plans, but Prensky believes our students deserve our best, so we should put the effort out and give our students the best.

Reflection # 1

Walking into my classroom at Chain Lake Elementary I noticed that my cooperating teacher's room lacked in technology. I noticed three ancient computers that a class of 25 has to share. Growing up all my classrooms in elementary school had at least 6 computers, so the three computers was a bit shocking. I think that my school should think about at least up dating their computers and maybe putting a few more in each class room. I know that there is a computer lab somewhere in the building but I don't think the class goes to the lab very often. Its very sad to see the lack of technology.

Why I Want To Be a Teacher

Basically, I want to be a teacher to help children learn . In particular, I want to help those children who struggle with learning the most. I believe that at a young age children are vulnerable to low self-esteem in their academic skills and it is my hope to encourage those students that they can learn with everyone else. I want to stop them from lacking confidence in their learning capability. I think it would benefit children the most if this is done early in their academic career, and so I hope to teach children starting as low as Kindergarten to possibly the third grade. Its been said that it is not possible to help every child that you run across as a teacher, but that is not going to stop me from at least trying!